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It's Go Time!

It’s Go Time! 


This last weekend we celebrated Beth’s 46th birthday by spending a few days down in Oregon with all our kids. We had a great time catching up and enjoying two beautiful fall days together. On the way down my wife reminded me that her birthday was the sixth month anniversary of my cycling accident (I broke my L2 vertebrae back in April). It’s hard to believe that was six months ago!


Six months ago, I was preparing to transition out of my last pastorate of 10 years and was also getting ready to begin some initial meetings for Shalom Anglican. Needless to say, my accident changed those plans. The thought crossed my mind, “God, are you trying to get my attention to keep me from planting this church?” But during my weeks of recovery it didn’t seem like the Lord was removing this calling; however, he was slowing me down! I shared with several friends that I wanted to embrace everything the Lord had for me in this time of rest and healing. My typical response would be to plow ahead, “I’m not going to let a broken back stop me!” But this time was different. I had to let go of control and trust God with this vision. If He wanted us to plant a new Anglican Church in Kitsap… He would make it happen!


So as my healing progressed and as the months rolled on, things continued to fall into place. I was ordained as a transitional deacon. I began apprenticing under Fr. Edward at the Gathering. I began receiving some coaching from Fr. Ryan at Holy Trinity Edmonds. I met with friends in Kitsap who were interested in the plant and received their advice and thoughts on how we should begin. Through the month of September we got clarity on God’s place and time for us to start this church. 


A year ago, a friend of mine talked to me about potentially using a chapel space in a new classical Christian school that was starting in Kitsap. Throughout this process of becoming Anglican and praying about church planting, I always had peace about looking into using that space. So, I followed up with the board and headmaster of the school. A few weeks ago they approved our use of the space!!! 


So I’m excited to share with you that we are officially beginning some initial meetings for Shalom Anglican! Our gatherings will be centered around evening prayer, which is a short prayer service in the Book of Common Prayer. We’ll also take time to share our vision and various aspects of planting an Anglican church in Kitsap. We’ll conclude each meeting with a dinner to grow in community. Kids are welcome! Here are the details. 


When: Saturday Evenings beginning on October 28th

Time: 5pm

Where: All Saints Academy Chapel in Old Town Silverdale (3475 NW Carlton St.)

RSVP: Please let us know if you plan on coming at shalomanglican@gmail.com


Please be in prayer for us. Pray for those the Lord is drawing to join us. Pray for God’s protection from the evil one as we seek to start this new work. 


A few other updates:

  • Last month I got to travel with Fr. Ryan out to Eastern Washington to visit three other Anglican Churches in our diocese. One of them was a Sudanese congregation that was officially joining with us. It was so encouraging to worship with these brothers and sisters.
  • I also got to travel to the Always Forward Conference in Greensboro, NC. Always Forward is a church planting initiative of our province (ACNA). I got to meet other church planters and be encouraged around the topic of Sacramental Imagination in Church planting! While on the East Coast I also got to visit my parents, and sister’s family. It was a blessing to see them!
  • I’m preaching this Sunday at The Gathering in Port Gamble at 10 am (for Local Kitsap friends who may want to join with us). I’ll also be leading a Deacon’s Eucharist which will be my first time doing that. 




For the Shalom of Kitsap,


Rob and Beth

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